Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Horn News Hub).
Afar Organizations Congratulate Ethiopia on GERD Inauguration, Urge Regional Cooperation
The Eritrean Afar National Congress (EANC) and representatives of the Afar Nation have extended congratulations to Ethiopia on the official inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The statement described the project as a milestone reflecting Ethiopia’s leadership and national effort, highlighting its potential to address energy shortages and support socioeconomic development across the region.
The EANC emphasized the transformative impact of the GERD, suggesting it could contribute to poverty reduction, sustainable resource management, and regional stability, benefiting both Ethiopia and neighboring countries.
At the same time, the statement criticized Eritrea’s policies toward its Afar population, citing human rights concerns and ongoing restrictions that have limited the socioeconomic development of indigenous Afar communities, particularly in relation to the Port of Assab. The organization argued that such policies have contributed to regional instability.
Looking forward, the EANC called for increased collaboration between Ethiopia, Eritrea, and the Afar Nation to harness the strategic resources of the Afar region, including port access, for shared economic growth, peace, and regional integration.
The statement concluded by expressing hope that Ethiopia’s achievement with the GERD could mark the beginning of a new era of progress and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
